Security apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

This invention defines an apparatus and method for holding a portable electronic device whereby ease of use is continued and security is ensured. The apparatus combines an elastic spiral cord with connection mechanisms which attaches a cell phone, or other electronic device, to a person&#39;s secure location, with an attachment mechanism, such as a retaining clip to a waistband, belt, purse, backpack or other, suitably-shaped, receiving structure. The apparatus stretches approximately 24 inches from the secure location for normal use. If the electronic device is dropped or misplaced the 24 inch stretched distance will most often prevent the device from being lost or damaged by hitting the ground.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/669,519, filed Apr. 8, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to security holders/carriers for portable electronic devices, pagers, interactive messaging pagers, cellular or mobile telephones, wireless internet devices, MP3 players, PDAs, or walkie-talkies. More particularly, the present invention relates to an elastic spiral cord where one end is fastened to a secure personal location and the other end is mounted to a portable electronic device for security. This invention relates to an added security holding/carrying feature for wireless communication devices, FIG. 1.

2. Background of Prior Art of the Invention

U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,309 is a physical apparatus to secure portable electronic devices. This prior art only provides for secure transport of electronic devices. This device can not secure portable electronics while in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,237 discloses an antenna conductive element within a lanyard to improve radio frequency transmission and reception performance for wireless communication devices. The limiting factor is this device can not be secured while in use, and provides no additional safety features. This prior art has no security features.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,434 provides a secure method to retain a portable electronic device but provides no added security during operation or when dropped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a secure holder for portable communications devices and data storage devices, such as cellular telephones, wireless internet devices, walkie-talkies, portable digital assistants, MP3 players, and other portable devices. A flexible elastic coil or spring provided with a hook/retaining clip fastener, such that it can be attached to any one with an appropriate attachment mechanism for securing the electronic device for safety when in use and dropped, FIG. 2.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the invention can be best understood by:

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the present invention having a hook to secure to one's person such as a waistband, belt, purse, backpack or other, suitably-shaped, receiving structure, an elastic security cord to attach securely to an electronic device to prevent lose or damage after falling.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the present invention having an elastic security cord illustrating how the device attaches to a person to secure the electronic device while in use 10. If dropped 20 the device is secure from lose or damage 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

Referring to FIG. 3 the typical security retaining clip is depicted 10, to secure to one's person, such as a waistband, belt, purse, backpack or other, suitably-shaped, receiving structure. The retaining clip is attached to the spiral elastic security cord 30, at 20. The spiral elastic security cord 30, has a typical phone loop 80 with a release clip 70 similarly attached at 60. The typical attachment loop 80 may vary with different phone models. 

1. An apparatus for holding a portable electronic device, comprising: a. A spiral elastic member; b. A mounting hardware, or other attachment mechanism, such as a retaining clip to connect to a person's secure location, such as a waistband, belt, purse, backpack or other, suitably-shaped, receiving structure; c. A electronic device mounting loop, or other attachment mechanism, such as a retaining clip to connect to a portable communications device, a data storage device, such as a cellular telephone, wireless internet device, walkie-talkie, portable digital assistant, MP3 player, and other portable electronic device.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said spiral elastic member is suitable in length and tension to suspend the electronic device when dropped.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spiral elastic member is coupled to the portable communications device, a data storage device, such as a cellular telephone, wireless internet device, walkie-talkie, portable digital assistant, MP3 player, and other portable electronic device. 